The assessments combine the costs for operation, debt and transportation. It is based on the five-year rolling enrollment. The number of students from Sunderland and Whately have decreased over the past few years.

The budget must be approved by voters in each of the four towns at annual Town Meetings this spring.

The assessments have decreased from the original proposed increase of 8.53 percent after town selectmen and finance members raised concerns. To reduce the assessments, the School Committee plan to take $40,000 from the surplus fund.